| Oct 18, 2012 |
Scientists fabricate magnetic nano-adsorbent to measure toxic metals
|
|
(Nanowerk News) Researchers succeeded in the production of modified magnetic magnetite nano-adsorbent (Fe3O4) through chemical deposition method, and they could successfully dope the toxic metal ions to measure them in low concentrations in the environment (see paper in Talanta: "Preparation and characterization of magnetic nanocomposite of Schiff base/silica/magnetite as a preconcentration phase for the trace determination of heavy metal ions in water, food and biological samples using atomic absorption spectrometry").
|
|
Heavy metals cause toxicity in bio-systems when their concentration is higher than their allowed value. Due to the low concentration of these materials in real samples, a separation and pre-doping stage is necessary in the measurement of these samples. Solid phase extraction methods have advantages such as higher speed and simplicity, and they need much less amounts of organic solvents. The use of nanomaterials as new solid phases has received much attention in recent years due to their significant characteristics.
|
|
Among the advantages of the magnetic nanoparticles , mention can be made of the ease of separation process by using a magnet and high ratio of surface to volume that increases their adsorbent capacity. Due to these characteristics, the Iranian researchers firstly synthesized the magnetic magnetite nanoparticles modified through chemical deposition method. Then, they determined the concentration of ions through flame atomic absorption spectroscopy after carrying out the extraction process of the toxic metals by using nanoparticles.
|
|
The solid phase prepared at nanometric dimensions can be produced quickly and simply, and in a cost-effective manner. It has very good selectivity properties, and it does not lose its specifications after being used repeatedly. Easy, fast, and complete separation of the magnetic adsorbent from the solvent is among other properties of this product.
|
